YEC Finals Review

Serena def Maria 64 63


Not the demolition I expected, but the results were expected. Serena takes her 7th title of the year and ends 2012 as the undisputed MVP. Credit to Maria for putting up a better fight and not folding like a lousy poker hand. The 2 biggest names in ladies' tennis played their most competitive match since Wimbledon 2010. Maria was aggressive from the start, hitting huge groundstrokes trying to get the first strike. However, the numbers speak for themselves as Serena hit 40 winners including 11 aces to just 11 unforced errors. Maria had a +3 winner/error positive ratio which shows her improvement.

As I mentioned, Maria should be commended on her good week of tennis, winning 4 matches including a win over the world number one and 'pushing' Serena to win 7 games. Serena, the undisputed player of the year, will be happy to cap her season with her 3rd season ending title. Serena is a hot favourite for the Australian Open if she can maintain her form. Winning another Serena Slam is also not out of the question. Hopefully Serena will reclaim the number one ranking after the Australian Open as seeing #3 next to her name is just not right.

All in all, a very successful YEC both in terms of audience attendance and match quality although we could have had better semi final and final matches. The only blimp perhaps was the jeering the sponsors received by the crowd, which made their boisterous reception to the players all the more heart felt.

4th place qualifiers Kirilenko and Petrova won the doubles titles to add to their Olympic Bronze medal. It has been a good year for Kirilenko in singles as well. Credit also to Nadia for winning the title in Tokyo.

2012 was no doubt a season in the WTA where order was restored and 3 quality players made or reclaimed their positive as the queen of the courts. After 2 years of the wozniacki  number one fiasco, the number one player of 2012 is definitely a deserving one. While Serena is no doubt the best player of 2012, Victoria was the most consistent, having played well from January to October. Serena was the best player by far from Wimbledon one wards but she was surprisingly mediocre at the start of the year.

I hope you've enjoyed my updates and recaps of the YEC as much as I've enjoyed writing it. Hope to be back in some capacity on this blog even when Sean returns. Would be interested to know what kind of columns you'd like me to write.

Will probably write a season recap and awards following the Fed Cup final and the tournament in Sofia.

Till then, thanks for reading and continue to enjoy some ATP tennis in Paris and London!

Semi Finals Review and Finals Predictions

 Results:
After some very exciting and tight round robin matches, the semi finals proved to be somewhat one sided affairs.

Serena def Radwanska 62 61


It was a mis-match from the start. The heavy weight vs the feather weight. David vs Goliath. In the end, 2 straight 3 hour matches as well as a long season took it's toll on Radwanska. While there were glimpses of guile and craft, her legs just weren't as quick and she never had a chance against a fresh Serena Williams. Serena played like Serena does, aggressive and intimidating, slapping winners and aces all over the court. Radwanska had nothing to offer and was pummeled in slightly less than an hour. Radwanska can look back proudly on this year as her breakthrough into the games elite. She is a great addition to the top of the game and always produces entertaining matches. Meanwhile, Serena is on track to finishing the year on a high and proving once and for all that she's the best player of 2012. Next up, her puppy, Maria Sharapova.

Sharapova def Azarenka 64 62

Sharapova was sharp from the word go. Attacking every short ball and serving extremely well. Azarenka wasn't playing her best, not returning as well as she could and she was also hampered by what seemed like a left thigh strain. Credit to Sharapova for keeping the pressure and pinning Azarenka to the baseline with deep heavy groundstrokes. She served big and fired 7 aces, including one on match point. Azarenka seems to have had a mastery over Sharapova of late but this win for Maria sets up an interesting storyline for 2013. Despite the loss, Azarenka will be the 11th player to end the year at number one. If Sharapova can play like she did in this match in the finals, she will at least not be thrashed by Serena.

Predictions:

Serena vs Maria

Maria has not beaten Serena in 8 years, her last victory was at the YEC in 2004, the same year she stunned Serena at Wimbledon. Apart from their very close Australian Open encounter in 2005, where Maria had match point, the other matches have been somewhat one sided. In fact, many of them have been utter beat downs. Case in point being the Olympic finals where Maria was close to tears after winning only 1 game against a very dominant Serena. There is a reason why Serena dominates Maria. Everything Maria does Serena does better. Serena hits harder, serves harder, volleys better and moves much better. Maria's edge against 99.9% of the field is her mental strength, but the Russian is a mental midget compared to Serena, who seems to will herself to win whenever she's down.

Serena is playing better with each match at this tournament, as she does in every tournament she wins, she gets better and better and by the time she reaches the finals, is in such devastating form that her opponent simply doesn't have a chance. While Maria's confidence is high after beating Azarenka, I simply don't see her winning the match, let alone winning a set. Even if Maria gets a high percentage of 1st serves and pins Serena to the baseline with her powerful flat groundstrokes, I still give the American the edge and she has a huge psychological advantage over the Russian. Maria doesn't believe she can beat Serena and would be happy to better her Olympic performance against Williams. I think Serena will play her best match of the tournament here and spank Maria in 2 quick sets to punctuate her position as the best player of 2012, and perhaps the best tennis player ever.

Pick: Serena in an easy 2 set victory.

YEC Day 4 results and semi final predictions

Finally 3 for 3 in predictions!! Even guessed the number of sets correctly!

Results:

Azarenka def Li 76 63


Azarenka seals the year end number one spot with this victory and sees herself in the semi finals for the 2nd consecutive year. Azarenka played well to win it in 2, both battling in the first set before Azarenka eased to victory in the 2nd. Azarenka will be confident in her next match against Sharapova having won all their non-clay court meetings this year.

Radwanska def Errani 67 75 64
 

In the longest match of the championships, Radwanska squeaks past Errani with this grueling victory. Radwanska had to take the initiative in this contest as Errani's game is built around defence. Nonetheless, the match offered long rallies and thrilling points with both players struggling to get the advantage. Credit to Errani for playing well this tournament and giving all her opponents a hard time, even getting a win which will be crucial in keeping her in the top 10 next year once her points from 2012 start dropping off. Radwanska has less than 24 hours to recover before her next match but after a drop in form following her Wimbeldon finals appearance, she must be happy with this result.

Sharapova def Stosur 60 63



Sharapove demolishes Stosur to keep her near perfect record against the Australian. Stosur had no answer to Sharapova's power and easily gifted Sharapova the match. Maria ends up top in her group and avoids facing Serena until the finals.

Predictions:

Serena vs Radwanska

Rematch of their surprisingly entertaining and competitive Wimbledon final. Serena is just starting to find her game and this match up will make her hit a few more balls which would make her sharper for the finals. Radwanska should be proud of herself for just reaching the finals but Serena is well rested and all ready to end the year with a bang. Serena has too much power for the Pole and the only way Radwanska will win is if Serena pulls out injured or Serena simply can't put a ball into play. That's not going to happen as Serena has gotten better with each match and should cruise to an easy victory and be even more devastating in the finals.

Pick: Serena in 2 sets.

Azarenka vs Sharapova

It's no. 1 vs no. 2 again, but this time in the Semi finals. As mentioned earlier, Sharapova hasn't beaten Azarenka in a non-clay match this year. Sharapova has been playing good tennis this tournament and would relish another chance at Azarenka. Game wise, Maria hits harder, serves harder and grunts louder. However, Azarenka moves better and has a better net game. Look for Maria to be the aggressor this match as Azarenka patiently waits for the opening to strike. Maria needs to keep her errors to a minimum and not jump the gun early and try for a winner too soon into a rally. With the number 1 ranking all tied up, Azarenka is playing without pressure and would love another shot at Serena in the finals. Her consistency will be the difference in this match as will the psychological benefit of having beaten Sharapova soundly in all of their hard court match, save one, this year.

Pick: Azarenka in 3 sets.

YEC Day 3 results and Day 4 predictions

Results:

Serena def Azarenka 64 64

Not the titanic clash I predicted but it nearly was with Vika up a double break in the 2nd set before Serena stormed back. Serena tops her group and heads to the semi finals. Serena is playing herself into form and this win proves once and for all that she is the best player of 2012. She served big and went for her shots. Vika had her chances in the second set but couldn't capitalise. Now she'll need to beat Li Na to clinch a semi final berth.

Errani def Stosur 63 26 60

Errani proves she belongs to this field with her first victory at the YEC. In the process, she keeps alive her hopes to qualify for the semi finals. Stosur must be disappointed with this loss and she clearly has the weapons to defeat the plucky Italian. Nonetheless, credit must be given to Errani for grinding out this victory and proving she's one of the best players in 2012.

Li def Kerber 64 63

Li puts herself back in contention for a semi final berth with this victory. Kerber, a step slow after yesterday's grueling marathon match, had no answer the Chinese players power. While she remained without a victory this week, Kerber proved that she was one of the best players this year. Li, will be keen to qualify for the semi finals if she can beat Azarenka, something she has actually done a few times.

Predictions:

Sharapova vs Stosur

If Stosur can't beat Errani, I don't think she has a chance against Sharapova. Sharapova has owned Stosur througout her career and I don't see this going any other way. Maria will be keen to top her group so as to avoid Serena before the finals and also to keep her hopes of ending the year number one alive. Sharapova has too much power and will attack the Stosur backhand as she cruises to victory.

Pick: Sharapova in 2 sets.

Radwanska vs Errani

In a winner takes all match, the winner her will see herself facing Serena Williams in the semi finals. Errani doesn't have the fire power to hurt Radwanska who is probably the only player in the field with better defense than the Italian. Radwanksa however, will struggle with the lack of pace which she needs as she cannot generate as much power without using the pace of bigger opponents. Both players need to come to the net to finish the point if they want to win this match. However, in the end, Radwanska will likely have too much variety and guile for the Italian. Look for many long grueling rallies as both players patiently wait for the other the pull the trigger and hopefully misfire.

Pick: Radwanska in 3 long sets

Li vs Azarenka

Another winner takes all match sees the world number one playing a very dangerous Li. will be hungry for a victory following her disappointing loss to Serena yesterday. Li on the other hand has momentum with her win over Kerber yesterday. Azarenka has to play percentage tennis and wait for the erratic Li to miss while herself wait for the opening to hit winners, especially off her strong backhand. While Li boast a good head to head against Azarenka, she has not beaten the Belarusian this year. Expect a nervous start from both players, but Azarenka, riding confidence from her breakthrough 2012 will settle sooner and take this match as well as the year end number one ranking.

Pick: Azarenka in 2 sets.

YEC Day 2 Results and Day 3 Predictons

Results

First, let's acknowledge the withdrawal of defending champion, Petra Kvitova. After her sensational run to the title last year, many expected a banner year for her. That however, was not to be, although she did make it to the 2nd week of all 4 slams, she failed to reach the finals of any slam, let alone add on to her 1 Wimbledon title. She won 2 titles on American hardcourts this year including Cincinnati, but all in all, it was a somewhat disappointing year for her. Hopefully she'll rebound next week when she plays for her country in the Fed Cup Finals.



Serena def Li 76 63

Saw the first set of this match. Serena was off rhythm and making many errors. Li was somewhat affected by this and failed to capitalise on this despite leading 4-1 in the first set. This goes to show how difficult it is to beat Serena. She just has this aura around her, that opponents feel defeated before they even step onto court. The last person to have this aura was probably Steffi Graf. Nonetheless, this win more or less assures Serena a place in the semi finals. With an enticing match with Azarenka coming, perhaps this win will take some pressure off the hot favourite.


Sharapova def Radwanska 57 75 75

I did end up jinxing Radwanska I guess. However, I'm mightily impressed by the scoreline and glad for the tournament that such an exciting match took place. This match could have gone either way and it was power vs guile. In the end, Sharapova just has too many weapons to hurt Radwanska. Sharapova is now more or less assured 1st place in her group (she faces her bitch, Stosur next) but she will likely end her run in the Semis as she faces her nemesis Serena or Victoria in that round. Good win for Maria, who got to hit lots of balls. Hopefully she can get a non-clay win over the MVPs of the season.


Azarenka def Kerber 67 76 64

Much closer scoreline than I expected. Kerber is obviously a very good player and a possible permanent fixture in the top 10. She just needs to ensure she doesn't fall into the same path as other counter punchers in the top 10, i.e. Wozniacki and Jankovic. Victoria grinds through another victory, coming from the brink of defeat and starts her YEC campaign. She needs to clean up if she wants to challenge Serena. Still, Vika is probably confident of reaching the finals once she gets pass the group stage as her likely Semifinal opponents are 2 players who she has owned this year.

Predictions:

Li vs Kerber

Li hopes to get past her disappointing performance against Serena with a win in the group stages to keep her semi finals hope alive. In her way is Angelique Kerber who played well against Azarenka and will also want to redeem herself. While both woman are more or less fighting for 3rd place in this 'group of death', we can expect a good match as these 2 have contrasting styles of plays. Kerber will try to counterpunch her way as Li tries to hit through her German opponent. Kerber might be tired after her long match the day before and that could well be the deciding factor of this match. Li has the fire power, but does she have the consistency and patience to wait for the right moment to strike. Another toss up, with both players coming off loses to Serena, both know that this is their chance to get a win this tournament.

Pick: Li in 3 error ridden sets.

Azarenka vs Serena

The match everyone's been waiting for. A win for Serena will guarantee her the top spot in this group. Serena is eager to prove once again that despite the ranking, she is the best player of 2012. She has graciously admitted that Azarenka has been the most consistent, but it was Serena who blazed through the 2nd half of the year and has only 1 lost to a top 10 player this year. If their US Open encounter is an indication of things to come for this rivalry, expect a fierce battle between the two. Victoria knows that she is only number 1 on paper and everyone else knows who the best player on tour is. She will be eager to prove them wrong and will likely take lots of the 'player of the year' honours if she can get a win (or two) over Serena in this event. Serena loves playing number one players and if I am correct, has one of the most wins against active number one players. Serena hasn't been playing well this tournament, her serve no where as dominant as it was during her summer hot streak. Serena however, has an uncanny champions ability to win. Win ugly if she must, but this legend hates to lose, especially to someone whom she knows she's better against and hasn't lost to since 2009. Victoria needs to strike early and hold on to any early lead she can gain as once Serena settles, it will be difficult to stop her. Victoria has to keep 1st serve percentage high and keep errors to a minimum and keep making Serena hit one more ball. Serena for her part needs to serve well and be patient and wait for the opportunity to strike. One thing for sure is that Serena will not want to lose this match and will fight tooth and nail even if she's not playing well.

Pick: Serena in 3 hard fought sets.

Stosur vs Errani

Stosur snuck in and still has a chance to qualify for the semifinals thanks to Kvitova's withdrawal. Errani beat Stosur in a shock upset at the French Open Semifinals and looks to repeat that result. Stosur's play has been erratic the entire year and if Errani can get many balls back and wait for Stosur to miss, she's in for a chance. As with most of Errani's matches against the top girls, it is her opponent who will decide the fate of the match. If Stosur is having a good day, she will blast the Italian off the court, her high kicking serve will be difficult for the diminutive Italian to return which will likely set up an easy put away. But with Stosur, nothing comes easy for her. This is Errani's best shot to prove her qualifying for the YEC was no fluke and sneak a victory past an opponent who come to Istanbul without expecting to play a match.

Pick: Stosur in 3 sets.

Enjoy the tennis. For those in Asia, Eurosports is providing full coverage with host Mary Pierce and Barbara Schett as well as commentary from a very insightful and entertaining Jo Durie. 

YEC Day 1 Results and Day 2 Predictions

Match review:

All the winners lost just 5 games. Hopefully we get some exciting 3 setters during the Round Robin stage.

Serena def Kerber 64 61

Serena exacts revenge on Kerber who was the last player to beat her. Showing no signs of rust, Serena dominated despite getting only 50% of 1st serves in. The field has to beware as once that percentage goes up, it'll be harder to beat her. Serena tends to struggle against lower ranked players at slams then dominates the elite, will we see her rampage through this field?

Radwanska def Kvitova 63 62

I must say this result surprised me somewhat. I was predicting Petra to win having never lost to Radwanska. I personally watched this entire match and Petra was a nervous wreck and made a huge number of unforced errors. Radwanska was at her consistent best and carefully placed the ball around the court and waited for the error. This win will probably bring some confidence back into Radwanska's game, this being her first top 10 win in quite a while. Perhaps Radwanska might now become a contender for this title?

Sharapova def Errani 63 62

Very expected results. Errani just doesn't have the firepower nor the variety to hurt Sharapova. She should be happy just to have qualified and enjoy the moment and perhaps focus on winning the doubles. Expected victory for Maria to prepare her for 2 much tougher matches before she gets destroyed by either Serena or Victoria ;)

Day 2 Predictions:

Serena vs Li Na

Li Na has played Serena close throughout the years, even managing a few victories. Li Na is wildly unpredictable and does have the weaponry to hurt Serena. Serena needs to get more than 65% first serves in if she wants a comfortable victory, if not she'll have to work much harder.

Prediction: Serena in 2 sets


Azarenka vs Kerber

The in-form player of the field takes on the most improved player of the season. Both players don't have a huge serve and their groundstrokes are somewhat light weight compared to the likes of Serena, Petra and Maria. Victoria is just too consistent for Angelique to hurt her and will it'll be another easy victory for the Belarusian making her 2012 YEC debut.

Prediction: Azarenka in 2 sets

Radwanska vs Sharapova

The match of the day. Radwanska won her biggest career title in Miami, manhandling Maria in that final. Maria has won more matches this season by her shear tenacity and fight rather than clean hitting and huge serves. This match will hopefully be the 3 setter we've been looking for. Radwanska should be more confident after her huge victory over Kvitova and will be looking to build on that win. Maria, with the number 1 ranking in reach will look to solidify her top position in the group with a win here. I can see both players winning this but ultimately it'll come to how well Maria serves and how many errors Radwanksa can draw out of her. Radwanska needs to be at her tenacious best and run now every ball and mix up the play to keep Maria off balance. Maria needs to serve well and be consistent and try to step into the court and hit through Radwanska and of course keep her errors to the bare minimal.

Predictions: Toss up, I underestimated Radwanska in her first match so I'm going to go with a 3 set victory for the Pole to make up for that. (Though I've probably ended up jinxing her chances with this prediction)

Enjoy the tennis!

YEC Day 1

Radwanska vs Kvitova

Don't think these 2 ladies have played since last year's YEC where Kvitova won a very tight 2 set match. Radwanska has improved in leaps and bounds since that meeting whilte Kvitova's form has taken a dip. Kvitova has the weapons to blast Radwanska off the court but Radwanska has a uncanny ability to counteract these power hitters. 6 months ago, Radwanska would have been an easy pick, however, with both of these ladies' not in the best of form, predicting this match won't be so straight forward. Still, Radwanska is carrying battle scars from the long season and will not be at her retrieving best. Petra has the fire power, but will be rusty in her first match out. Look for Kvitova to play 1 set where she will be misfiring but eventually settle and win it in 3.

Pick: Kvitova in 3 sets.

Williams vs Kerber

Last time they played, Kerber beat a tired Serena in 2 sets. Serena is well rested and is looking to prove she is indeed the MVP of 2012. Kerber will try to keep each ball in play and hope for Serena to miss. Serena will look to dictate play but needs to be patient and wait for the opening. Serena hates losing to the same person twice and would also like to avenge Venus' loss to Kerber at the US Open.

Pick: Serena in 2 sets

Sharapova vs Errani

Probably the surest bet of the day. A repeat of the French Open will likely produce the same results. Sharapova winning easily and overpowering the diminutive Errani who is having the season of her life, both in singles and doubles. Good practice for Maria to work on her ground strokes as Errani is bound to make her hit that one extra shot. In the end however, Maria will simply have too much firepower for the Italian to handle and will cruise on this fast indoor court.

Pick: Sharapova in 2 sets.